cliff. >> it's very important we get it done now. >> reporter: republicans and democrats are talking again. but still, no breakthrough. the parties are locked in a stalemate. president obama is demanding that higher tax rates for the wealthy and a permanent extension of the debt ceiling, the government's ability to borrow money, be part of the deal. >> he's assuming unprecedented power to spend taxpayer dollars out any limit at all. >> reporter: republicans who say they're open to raising tax revenue say they will only do so in exchange for deep spending cuts. if washington can't strike a deal, one casualty will be compensation for the long-term unemployed. that means people like linda vega, are worried. >> christmas and things of that nature are probably off the table. >> reporter: aides to president obama and speaker boehner met yesterday afternoon. but that meeting ended with no discernible signs of progress. rob and paula? >> thanks, tahman. >>> once the numbers are all tallied, they're going to show that the 2012 presidential election was the most expensive in history. campaign